The Molly Rose Foundation has published new research on social media algorithms and young people’s exposure to harmful content online. The research, conducted in the weeks leading up to the implementation of the Online Safety Act, suggests that the risks of exposure to harmful forms of suicide, self-harm and intense depression-related content on two major social media platforms, Instagram and TikTok, remain unacceptably pervasive and widespread.

Findings show

• the platforms continue to algorithmically recommend substantial volumes of harmful content to teens;
• high-risk design choices such as recommended search terms and AI generated search prompts continue to exacerbate the potential for cumulative harm;
• and algorithms continue to enable harmful content to achieve high levels of reach.

Among other recommendations, the report calls on Ofcom to substantially revisit the scope and ambition of its regulatory approach.

Please be aware that this report contains extensive references to suicide, self-harm and poor mental health, including feelings of intense depression. It also features examples of non-graphic content that were readily accessible and discoverable on social media platforms, but that may be distressing and triggering for readers.

If you or someone you know is in distress or despair call the regional 24/7 freephone crisis counselling helpline Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 or 999 in an emergency.